Treatment

Clinical trials are the standard of care for the treatment of children with cancer. In fact, more than 60% of children with cancer are treated as part of a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies that compare standard treatments (the best treatments available) with newer treatments that may be more effective. Cancer in children is rare, so it can be hard for doctors to plan treatments unless they know what has been most effective in other children. Investigating new treatments involves careful monitoring using scientific methods, and all participants are followed closely to track progress.

To take advantage of these newer treatments, all children with cancer should be treated at a specialized cancer center. Doctors at these centers have extensive experience in treating children with cancer and have access to the latest research. Many times, a team of doctors treats a child with cancer. Pediatric cancer centers often have extra support services for children and their families, such as nutritionists, social workers, and counselors. Special activities for kids with cancer may also be available.

The treatment of a germ cell tumor depends on the size and location of the tumor, whether it is cancerous, whether the cancer has spread, and the child’s overall health.

Surgery

The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor, along with some surrounding tissue (called a margin) to make sure that the entire tumor is removed.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Systemic chemotherapy is delivered through the bloodstream, targeting cancer cells throughout the body. The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual and the dose used, but can include fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These side effects usually go away once treatment is finished.

The specific drugs that are commonly used for treating germ cell tumors include cisplatin (Platinol), etoposide (VePesid, Etopophos, Toposar), bleomycin (Blenoxane), and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar).

The medications used to treat cancer are continually being evaluated. Talking with your child’s doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications prescribed for your child, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Learn more about your prescriptions through Cancer.Net's Drug Information Resources, which provides links to searchable drug databases.

To learn about the terms used in this section, read the Cancer.Net Feature: Cancer Terms to Know: During Treatment.